Mexico, Guadeloupe open wel

Mexico, Guadeloupe open well
(PA) Monday 6 July 2009
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Goals from Luis Noriega and Pablo Barrera secured a 2-0 win for Mexico over Nicaragua in their opening game of Group C of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Mexico opened the scoring in the 45th minute when Jose Martinez broke into the left side of the area but tumbled under a challenge from David Solorzano and the referee pointed to the spot. Noriega stepped up to fire home from the spot.

Javier Aguirre's side dominated the second half and had several chances to add a second but on each occasion they found goalkeeper Carlos Mendieta in good form. However, Barrera finally broke Mendieta's resolve when he volleyed home from Alberto Medina's cross. Arsenal striker Carlos Vela limped off in the 11th minute with an ankle injury

In the other game in the group, Loic Loval scored one and set-up the other as Guadeloupe edged Central American champions Panama 2-1. Guadeloupe took the lead in the 33rd minute after Armando Gun had failed to clear Aurelian Capoue's cross and Loval pounced to poke home from close range.

David Fleurival added a second shortly before half time with a stunning strike from 40 yards that gave goalkeeper Jaime Penedo no chance. Panama came out fighting in the second half and Nelson Barahona reduced the deficit in the 68th minute when he volleyed home. However they were unable to find an equaliser as Guadeloupe defended well for the win.